Are We Really, Finally Close to a Birth Control Pill for Men?

New research published in the journal Cell is suggesting that a new compound may result in a birth control pill for men.

Researchers from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Martin Matzuk Baylor College of Medicine developed a drug meant to be part of a cancer research project. But in experiments, male mice that were given the drug produced fewer and less mobile sperm--meaning they ended up completely infertile during treatment.

And the process was reversible. Once the mice stopped taking the drug, they were again fertile little rodents. What scientists are especially excited about is the possible implications for humans: the drug is non-hormonal, reversible, orally administered, and safe for future offspring (baby mice born after the experiment were healthy).

Still, there's a lot of research to be done--scientists must find out how effective the pill would be in human men, for one thing.

"It's exciting basic science that provides a new approach to think about how a contraceptive for men might be designed. At the same time, it's a long ways from being in clinical trials in men, let alone being on pharmacy shelves," says William Bremner from the University of Washington in Seattle.

What do you think--is a birth control for men a good idea? Would the guy in your life take it? Would you want him to?